Imaging in the Management of Acute Appendicitis in Children

The vermiform appendix is a vestigial, hollow organ localized at the level of the cecum. This structure has an immunological role supported by the presence of gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Obstruction of the appendiceal lumen and inflammation of the appendix can lead to appendicitis. In children, the most common etiologies for appendiceal lumen obstruction are appendicoliths/fecaliths, lymphatic tissue hypertrophy, and, rarely, parasites or malignancy [1]. Acute appendicitis is an abdominal emergency that, in most cases, requires timely surgical management.